Barry Grossman Photography
Drop-in bathtub - contemporary stone tile and white tile drop-in bathtub idea in Miami with a drop-in sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets and granite countertops

For a classic bathroom remodel we recommend choosing a neutral color scheme for a more classic feel. With tile specifically, selecting grays and whites for your color scheme lends itself to a traditional look. With regard to shape, look for classics like subway or hexagonal to keep it timeless

4 Steps to Achieving a Rewarding Cost Effective Home Renovation 1 Home Renovation an Introduction A home renovation due to changes in family needs and space requirements can be a challenging, but also a rewarding experience. As a homeowner, gathering and coordinating resources and possibly help from professional consultants are required. Once the construction phase has started, patience, endurance and commitment to follow through are necessary. Despite the challenges, the rewards of a well-planned and successfully completed project are meaningful, adding aesthetic and economic value, also providing the opportunity to personalize a home, encompassing the function, comfort and aesthetics to accommodate individual taste and lifestyle. A renovation of an existing home is a viable alternative to moving or building a new home, assuming that a home is structurally sound, the expenditure to enlarge or improve can be a cost effective alternative. A home possessing charm, style, historical significance, established landscaping or an exceptional location could be a significant motivation to consider purchasing another home with the intent to renovate. The complexity of a project could be relatively simple, changing the use of a room, consolidating two rooms into one, or opening up a room to the outdoors. It could also be a more involved task requiring planning, design and construction documents to build a second floor addition, the addition of a new wing or completely gutting the interior. Some projects could be completed in a weekend’s work or more complex projects, using a “Master Plan”, a plan which provides overall guidance; a renovation can be accomplished all at once or divided into manageable projects over a period of time. With the home evolving gradually allowing the renovation to be planned, timed and tailored to meet individual needs and circumstances. The due diligence phase should precede the decision to renovate whether it’s an existing home or a home that is purchased with the intent to renovate. The due diligence phase will reveal the factors affecting the nature and scope of the project or if a renovation makes sense. Every renovation project is unique relative to personal requirements, architectural style & construction type. This guide will be helpful in developing an understanding of the preliminary groundwork required to realize a successful project. If properly planned, a home renovation project can be a positive and rewarding experience resulting in a comfortable, practical and an attractive living environment. The first step of the planning process is documenting the goals and long-range plans referred to as the “Project Program”. This will dictate the nature, scope and feasibility of the project. Providing a guide to achieving defined goals, the timing or phasing of the project and budget required to achieve the desired end result. 2 Documenting Existing Conditions Once the “Project Program”, has been established, the next step is to determine what there is to work with. This requires documenting the home’s floor plan and site elements which includes drawing an “as built” floor & site plan consisting of the existing exterior walls, interior rooms, doors, windows, etc. and surrounding site elements, landscape and other significant exterior features. Additionally understanding and noting on the “as built” plan, the structural, mechanical and electrical systems as necessary. Gathering the “existing condition” information defines what there is to work with, creating the framework from which to facilitate and organize the decision making process and develop effective “project program” solutions. 3 Evaluating Existing Conditions The goals and long-range plans have been established, and the existing floor plan and site elements have been documented. Before developing design solutions, the next step is to evaluate existing conditions. The evaluation includes: a detailed analysis of the structural, mechanical and electrical systems, determining the condition of the house, noting functional and aesthetic deficiencies. At the same time recognizing the home’s strengths, assets and evaluating its relationship to its site. The remaining parameters will be defined by the local jurisdiction’s zoning regulations, these regulations will define the “envelope”, within which the proposed project will be required to fit: •required front, side & rear yard setbacks •maximum allowable lot coverage & height The previous three steps have provided the necessary foundation to start the design phase. The goals and long range plans have been established, existing conditions have been documented and the evaluation of what there is to work with are now in place. This will provide the framework from which to facilitate and organize design solutions. The consolidation of this information is manifested in the development of the “Master Plan” which will become the road map by which sound decision-making can be made as a home renovation evolves. Keeping the project, on a linear path, avoiding redundancies and back tracking, on time, within budget, concluding with a well crafted finished product. After all the “up front” research and documentation has been completed, the design phase of the project can now precede, with the creation of diagrammatic design drawings. Organizing interior spaces, taking into account the external elements, prevailing breezes, solar orientation, view, existing outdoor features, etc. Through the development of schematic sketches themes will emerge followed by design development drawings. Wise planning and renovation decisions can save money and time at the same time provide a well crafted finished project. The “Master Plan” provides a strategic path in the planning and decision making process leading to a successful and rewarding home renovation, which will add value and considerable enjoyment, for many years, living in a newly renovated home. By virtue of having gone through these steps, frustrations sometimes encountered during a home renovation will be minimized, allowing the renovation to be a gratifying and rewarding experience. Being aware of the process allows one to become an “Educated Client,” which is worth quite a bit more than one might realize. The uneducated client may not realize the benefit of going through the planning, evaluation and documentation groundwork. He will only realize its benefits after having completed a prior renovation project. This rational approach keeps the design process on a direct path to achieving prescribed goals. 4 Exploring Design Solutions & Developing a Master Plan The previous three steps have provided the necessary foundation to start the design phase. The goals and long range plans have been established, existing conditions have been documented and the evaluation of what there is to work with are now in place. This will provide the framework from which to facilitate and organize design solutions. The consolidation of this information is manifested in the development of the “Master Plan” which will become the road map by which sound decision-making can be made as a home renovation evolves. Keeping the project, on a linear path, avoiding redundancies and back tracking, on time, within budget, concluding with a well crafted finished product. By virtue of having gone through these steps, frustrations sometimes encountered during a home renovation will be minimized, allowing the renovation to be a gratifying and rewarding experience. Being aware of the process allows one to become an “Educated Client,” which is worth quite a bit more than one might realize. The uneducated client may not realize the benefit of going through the planning, evaluation and documentation groundwork. He will only realize its benefits after having completed a prior renovation project. This rational approach keeps the design process on a direct path to achieving prescribed goals. After all the “up front” research and documentation has been completed, the design phase of the project can now precede, with the creation of diagrammatic design drawings. Organizing interior spaces, taking into account the external elements, prevailing breezes, solar orientation, view, existing outdoor features, etc. Through the development of schematic sketches themes will emerge followed by design development drawings. Wise planning and renovation decisions can save money and time at the same time provide a well crafted finished project. The “Master Plan” provides a strategic path in the planning and decision making process leading to a successful and rewarding home renovation, which will add value and considerable enjoyment, for many years, living in a newly renovated home.

Tuscan metal railing balcony photo in Los Angeles with a pergola

Bamboo sides and columns bounded with manila rope and have decorative caps. Head boards, foot boards, safety and side rails have a fine woven "Lauhala" or "Raffia" matting. Edges capped with real bamboo. Ladders constructed using solid yellow pine and mortised into framework of beds to add strength and rigidity. Finished to match "bamboo" color and sheen.

Peter Peirce
Inspiration for a huge country master beige tile and stone tile medium tone wood floor and brown floor bathroom remodel in Bridgeport with a wall-mount sink, open cabinets, beige walls, a one-piece toilet and a hinged shower door

Apartment Therapy: Monica Wang
Example of a small eclectic master medium tone wood floor bedroom design in Los Angeles with beige walls and no fireplace

Beautiful updates to dated spaces. We updated the master bathrooms and 2 guest bathrooms with beautiful custom vanities with recessed fronts. The beautiful gray finish works wonderfully with the Carrara marble and white subway tile. We created recessed soap niches in the guest bathrooms and a deluxe recessed niche with shelves in the master bathroom. The lovely gray and white palate gives a fresh calming feeling to these spaces. Now the client has the bathrooms of their dreams.

The vibrant honey color of the pergola actually makes it a striking feature in this outdoor living space that is dominated by whites and greys. And the framework of the pergola is the perfect location to mount the professional-grade misting system.

This luxurious chef's kitchen is a culinary dream - boasting top of the line Thermidor appliances, Bronze Vena marble countertops, and exquisite custom white oak millwork.

Interior Design : Floriana Petersen - Floriana Interiors, Photo : Christophe Stark
Mid-sized elegant master bathroom photo in San Francisco with white walls

Tom Bonner
Large contemporary two-story metal house exterior idea in Los Angeles with a shed roof and a metal roof

Inspiration for a large coastal master ceramic tile and gray floor bathroom remodel in Los Angeles with white walls and a hinged shower door

This original "gaslight" style is one of our oldest designs. Decorative accents are cast by hand directly onto the iron framework. Turned spindles are solid brass castings. Available in black iron with silver highlights and antique brass accents and as a bed or headboard alone.

Kids' bedroom - coastal girl light wood floor kids' bedroom idea in Charleston with white walls

Beautiful updates to dated spaces. We updated the master bathrooms and 2 guest bathrooms with beautiful custom vanities with recessed fronts. The beautiful gray finish works wonderfully with the Carrara marble and white subway tile. We created recessed soap niches in the guest bathrooms and a deluxe recessed niche with shelves in the master bathroom. The lovely gray and white palate gives a fresh calming feeling to these spaces. Now the client has the bathrooms of their dreams.

Sean Litchfield Photography
Large cottage chic master bedroom photo in Boston with white walls and no fireplace

Colorful apartment renovation.
Inspiration for a small modern master green tile and ceramic tile porcelain tile and gray floor bathroom remodel in New York with flat-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, a wall-mount toilet, white walls and a wall-mount sink

Photo: Adrienne DeRosa © 2015 Houzz In the master bathroom, the steam shower's enclosure mirrors the framework of the windows and doors used elsewhere in the home. Large white tile work organized in a subway pattern round out the period style, but with a decidedly modern edge. Making the shower large and curbless was a consideration with the future in mind. "We may need to be able to wheel in and out of there one day!" Stacy jokes. To the right of the shower, the wall opens up to reveal a concealed linen closet.